Cast
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Maureen McCormick
as Barbara Mandrell
Dwight Schultz
as Irby Mandrell
Greg Kean
as Ken Dudney
Lisa Blount
as Mary Mandrell
Lindsey Haun
as Barbara (as a Teenager)
Jaime Dudney
as Irlene Mandrell
Portia Dawson
as Louisa Mandrell
Jesse Littlejohn
as Matthew Dudney
Evan Rachel Wood
as Jaime Dudney - Age 8
John Doe
as Joe Maphis
Dolly Parton
as Dolly Parton
Kenny Rogers
as Kenny Rogers
Barbara Mandrell
as Self
Robert Clotworthy
as Dr. Newton Louvern
Leonard Kelly-Young
as Dr. David Jones
Crew
Director
- Jerry London
Producer
- Linda Bergman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jerry London brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 32 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Doctor Bethune, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Miracle Worker and The Queen explore similar territory, Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 28, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 33m
